The awards were announced at the 45th annual SAPOA International Property Convention & Exhibition at Sun City last week. The awards showcase outstanding property development. They recognise developments that enhance their location in an integrated way and effectively identify and address the urban challenge and any direct impacts that it might have on communities and the environment.

UP’s Engineering III and Parkade project scooped the award for mixed-use developments. The project was designed by ARC Architects from Pretoria. According to Ms Madi van Wyk from ARC the award is a huge honour, specifically considering the tough competition it was up against. The Engineering III and Parkade project, which includes the integration to the Arts Precinct (the new Aula and Musaion foyers) beat, among others, a shopping and office centre in Mauritius as well as a R1,35 billion commercial development in Cape Town.

“During the site visit, the panel of judges were particularly impressed with the cost effectiveness of the development as well as the integration with existing buildings,” Ms Van Wyk said.

The new Thuto Lecture Building was the other UP development that was honoured. Although there was no winner in the category for Other Developments, the building with its four 600-seat lecture halls was given a special merit award.

According to the Awards Committee Chairman, Mr Pieter Engelbrecht, the property sector is showing a very keen and positive response to the awards which shows the esteem in which the awards are held. A total of 38 entries were received in ten categories as well as for three overall awards. The panel of 16 judges looked at a wide range of criteria that included economic and financial considerations, design concept, environmentally sustainable design and community enhancement.